RED CAN
Provide eating disorder expertise in one place
Our Values. . . and is an acronym for Regional Eating Disorders Charities Network and Alliance. A total of eight regional eating disorder charities, coming together to form the UK's VCSE provider collaborative, delivering expert-by-experience care closer to you.
Our ValuesGet involved with Redcan by volunteering your time, raising awareness for eating disorders and those affected.
Provide eating disorder expertise in one place
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Get SupportHaving a conversation with someone about an eating disorder can be hard, whether you're worried about yourself or about someone else.
At RedcanUK, we understand the seriousness of eating disorders and the importance of addressing them with care and compassion.
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses, affecting people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Individuals who struggle with an eating disorder have an unhealthy relationship with food, using disordered behaviours (restriction, purging, binging and other compensatory behaviours such as exercise) as a way of coping with difficult emotions or behaviours.
According to Priory Group, between 1.25 and 3.4 million people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder impacting individuals of all ages and genders. Eating disorders are most common in ages 16 to 40, with Binge Eating Disorder and OSFED being the most common diagnosis.
Eating disorders are complex and there can be a number of contributing factors to an individual developing an eating disorder including genetic factors and our biology, as well as environmental factors and our surroundings. Because of this, there can't be a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment which is why REDCAN members offer a range of effective treatments and support options to individuals referred into their services.
An individual's experience of an eating disorder will differ from one person to the next, which also means the way they respond to treatment will also differ. It is important that organisations take a person-centred approach to treatment, recognising any other components contributing to the eating disorder. This can include other presenting health issues or cultural and environmental factors.